Mark 5: Authority
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
Preface this blog post:
I talked with a good friend of mine today about Mark 5, and I waited for the Holy Spirit to teach me how to categorize the chapter with His Spirit and His truth. The Lord has been so faithful to teach me and to allow me to write about Him and His word while learning how to apply the Word. My prayer is that you can see my heart as we dive deeper into Mark 5 together. May the Holy Spirit reveal the teaching of and the examples of Jesus’ authority with new revelation and new clarity for you today!
Deep Dive into Mark 5
After re-reading Mark 5 and praying for the Holy Spirit’s revelation concerning the chapter, the Holy Spirit revealed that the chapter demonstrates the authority of Jesus over three forces that intimidate humanity and torment the earth: demons, sickness and disease, and death.
First, Jesus reveals His authority over demons. When the man possessed by an impure spirit confronts Him, the demons recognize Jesus immediately and tremble—because darkness always recognizes true authority (Mark 5:6–7). With a word, Jesus drives Legion out and restores the man into a sound mind (Mark 5:13–15). Jesus proves what Scripture declares: the Son of God appears to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
Then, Jesus reveals His authority over sickness and disease. In the crowd stands a woman who has suffered for twelve long years. She has spent everything she has and only grows worse—but she reaches for Jesus in faith (Mark 5:25–28).
The moment she touches Him, she is healed completely (Mark 5:29). Then, Jesus confirms the power of faith-filled reaching: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” (Mark 5:34). This is the Jesus who still heals, still restores, still breaks the curse of affliction—because by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).
Finally, Jesus reveals His authority over death itself. When news comes that Jairus’ daughter has died, Jesus speaks one command that every disciple must learn to live by: “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). Jesus enters the home of mourning and declares that death will not have the final word (Mark 5:39). Then He takes the girl by the hand and says, “Talitha koum!” and she rises immediately (Mark 5:41–42). Jesus is exactly who He said He is: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
Ultimately, the truth is this: your authority in Jesus produces the same outcomes Jesus walked in while on earth and ascended to continue in heaven and on earth. The authority of Christ is not a distant concept reserved for Bible times—it is part of the inheritance of those who belong to Him. Jesus Himself says, “I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:19).
Authority over demons, sickness, and death is not a performance. It is the fruit of an everyday, cross-bearing relationship with Jesus. If anyone would come after Him, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). When we follow Him, we don’t follow as weak or abandoned people—we follow as sons and daughters.
Your authority in Jesus gives you the ability to walk as a co-heir of the King. Scripture says, “If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:17) You are not trying to earn victory—you are learning to walk in the victory He already won for you! Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them through the cross (Colossians 2:15). Walking in His victory is walking in His authority.
To reject your authority in Christ is a rejection of the grace He died to give you.
Because of sin, no one deserves grace. Not one.
Scripture is clear: “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10).
Yet, grace still comes. Mercy still reaches. The gospel still declares: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
You will never be “worthy,” yet you are always chosen.
You are chosen in Him (Ephesians 1:4).
You are not disqualified by weakness—because His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
So isn’t it time to lay down the excuses?
Lay down self-loathing.
Lay down self-deprecation.
Lay down the identity of a victim.
Because you are not a victim, you are a victor.
Scripture says we are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). The Word of God also declares plainly that “…the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you” (Romans 8:11).
Your focus must be on Jesus because He has already declared who you are.
He has already decreed what you will become.
Finally, the Word says: “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Reflection
Mark 5 is not only a story of what Jesus did—it is a revelation of who He is. Jesus has authority over demons, disease, and DEATH. It’s time we all realize that He is not distant from our chaos, yet He steps directly into it with compassion and power.
This chapter of Mark reminds us that we are not meant to admire Jesus’ authority from afar. We are invited to trust it, receive it, and walk in it. Grace didn’t just save you—it equipped you. You are not powerless. You are not forgotten. You are not a victim. Jesus is still Lord, and you are still His.
Declaration in Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for Your Word that is living and active, and for the authority You have placed upon Your sons and daughters. Jesus, I declare today that You are Lord over every demon, Lord over every sickness, and Lord over death itself. You are the Victor, the Redeemer, the Resurrection, and the King. You have already conquered—and You have not left me powerless. So today, I receive what You died to give me. I declare that I walk in the authority of Christ. I declare that I am not a victim—I am a victor. I declare that I do not partner with fear because You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). I declare that I am a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). I declare that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me (Romans 8:11). I declare that I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11). Lord, expose every lie that keeps me small. Burn up every excuse rooted in shame. Cut off every agreement with self-loathing and spiritual timidity. Teach me to carry my cross daily (Luke 9:23), and teach me to walk in fullness of belief in You.
Strengthen my faith. Sharpen my discernment. Steady my steps. Father, let my life testify—not only in words, but in power—that Jesus Christ is Lord. I receive Your grace. I receive my identity. I receive Your victory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge
This week, I challenge you to stop living as though Jesus only has authority in Scripture and start living like He has authority in your real life. Choose ONE area where you have felt powerless:
- fear
- anxiety
- spiritual warfare
- sickness
- grief
- discouragement
- family turmoil
- financial lack
- generational cycles
Now do these three things:
- Name it out loud before Jesus.
- Declare His Lordship over it (use Mark 5 as your anchor).
- Take one faith step—pray, speak, reach, ask, obey.
You don’t have to perform. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to stop agreeing with defeat because you are not a victim. You are a victor.
If you’re interested in giving Mark 5 space in your Bible Study time with the Lord, please feel free to use my pdf document as a guide. I am pleased to share it with you. May the Lord continue to bless you, to keep you, and to shine His face upon you with favor. 2026 is the year of God’s favor!!
Love,
Jennifer
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